Beautiful Bewilderment

“Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.”-Rumi

I had the most wonderful experience the other day. I had the opportunity to have a discussion with several regular customers in which we listened to someone describe the intricacies of their belief. For many years, I have been tangentially connected to aspects of their spiritual tradition and could understand many things. But I was bewildered with the fact that there were nuances, intricacies, and connections that I did not easily or automatically make. I don’t know if it’s like this for everyone but I cherish those experiences where I realize HOW MUCH there is that I do not know.

When most of your life has been devoted to the study of something and you can still be surprised with things you never knew. Or inspired by thoughts that you have never had. What a gift that is! When the customer left I thanked them, ‘For what?” they said. I think my answer was something like “For the great conversation!’ I don’t know how I would reciprocate in kind but I definitely felt like I had learned so much from just listening and participating in this discussion. I had a deep sense of gratitude and need to give back in some way. I’m sure that I will have the opportunity to do this sometime in the future.

This is just one of the reasons that lifelong learning, curiosity, and gratitude are so important. Without them, just think what we would be missing out on. My fascination with people and their stories is one reason I am drawn to the work I do. There truly is an exchange of ideas and energy. I learn something about myself every time I teach a class, do a reading or guide someone through hypnosis. I often hear words coming out of my mouth and think, ” Hmmm, That was for you, my friend.”

Read that book about something you already know everything about. Take the time to chat with that person in the elevator. Make room in your life for more awe-inspiring experiences and they will come to fill it.

So, as I often times end my sessions, “Thank you all for allowing me to do what I love.”